Histories of two hundred and fifty-one divisions of the German army which participated in the war (1914-1918) — John Shaqi
Histories of two hundred and fifty-one divisions of the German army which participated in the war (1914-1918)United States. War Department. General Staff
History
Histories of two hundred and fifty-one divisions of the German army which participated in the war (1914-1918)
United States. War Department. General Staff
Germany. Heer -- History -- World War, 1914-1918; World War, 1914-1918 -- Germany
Theoretically, the regiments of the 1st Division are recruited in East
Prussia, but since the 1st Corps District, sparsely populated and of
restricted size, could not keep it up alone, the elements coming from
outside this district are numerous. During the stay on the eastern front
Alsace-Lorrainers were used in considerable number. While in France the
division’s ranks were filled up with the aid of the abundant resources
of Brandenburg and Silesia (3rd and 4th Corps Districts); consequently,
the division does not display to any degree the local character like the
majority of the German divisions.
The 1st Division was on the Russian front from August, 1914, until
December, 1917, with the exception of the period April-July, 1916,
during which it was engaged before Verdun.
The troops of the division fraternized with the Russians for about three
weeks in April, but this came to an end early in May with the arrival
opposite them of new Russian troops, who received their advances with
bullets. (Inter. pris., Jan. 24, 1918.)
1918.
WOEVRE.
1. The division remained in line in the Verdun sector until relieved by
the 11th Bavarian division about February 15.
2. It moved to the Conflans area, where it went through a course of
training in open warfare in order to fit itself to become an assault
division. At this time, too, it exchanged its Alsatians for Prussians of
the 78th Reserve Division.
SOMME.
3. March 27 the division reinforced the front at Bray, north of the
Somme. It fought until the 30th, and lost to such an extent that its
companies, which had been filled up while in the Conflans area, were
reduced to an average strength of 40 men.
4. It was withdrawn March 30, and rested immediately in rear of the
position it had held in line until about April 19.
5. The following day the division went back into line just south of the
Somme, and immediately suffered heavily. It was relieved May 2 by the
24th Reserve Division.
6. The division went to rest in the Peruwelz area, and then had some
more training in the same region.
CHAMPAGNE.
7. Early in July the division was identified in reserve near Hirson.
8. July 16 it entered line near St. Hilaire, and was withdrawn the 20th.
RHEIMS.
9. It was immediately thrown into line in the Bois de Vrigny, where it
fought in an attempt to prevent the Allies from annihilating the German
troops in the Soissons-Chateau Thierry-Rheims pocket.
LAON.
10. About August 10 the division was withdrawn and went to rest in the
region of Laon.
LAFFAUX.
11. September 3 it relieved the 27th Division near Laffaux, and, being
surprised by a French attack, lost heavily (2,300 prisoners).
12. September 16 it was relieved by the 29th Division.
RHEIMS.
13. The division came back into line near Betheny (northeast of Rheims)
on October 2 and was withdrawn about the 8th.
ST. FERGEUX.
14. It reentered line in the St. Fergeux region October 14, and was
again withdrawn the 29th.
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